Bainimarama testifies he did not pressure Tudravu to dismiss officers or resign
Former Fiji prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama told the Suva High Court on Monday that he did not instruct acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu to sack two officers or to quit, despite allegations he pressed for dismissals during the May–August 2021 period. He said he never sent Viber messages to Tudravu demanding resignations or the officers’ termination and that he did not know the identities or ranks of the officers involved. Bainimarama did acknowledge a call from his brother, Jonacani, on May 22, expressing concern about a photo circulating in a police Viber group and the potential embarrassment for the family, including worries that relatives might think he was a drug suspect. He added that he later spoke with Tudravu and was reassured that the matter would be looked into.
The trial has previously heard that Tudravu learned of the matter after Bainimarama’s statements and that the two officers, Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Constable Tomasi Naulu, were placed on half-pay pending a tribunal hearing. The tribunal convened on May 23, 2021, and officers were ultimately terminated on August 18, though they were reinstated in 2023. Former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho is facing two counts of abuse of office for allegedly overriding Tudravu’s disciplinary decisions.
During cross-examination, Tudravu described taking the demands “in stride” and said he did not keep formal records of messages from Bainimarama, stating that his focus was on the integrity of the disciplinary process. He returned the police officer’s phone after stepping down, and he noted the device had some issues. Testimony has also covered how informants are handled; in one strand, Bainimarama’s brother Jonacani was described as having acted as a drug informant in a 2021 marijuana transport case, with statements reportedly recorded under Tudravu’s direction.
The prosecution has signaled that Tudravu will be called as its final witness, and has relied on a range of documentary material—search warrants, appointment records, and other documents tied to Tudravu and Qiliho—to establish the timeline and authority behind the disputed disciplinary actions. Digital evidence, particularly Viber communications, has been a recurring focus, with the defense noting that Bainimarama’s phone had been reset and some data could not be recovered.
What to watch next
– Tudravu’s forthcoming testimony, expected to address whether there was improper political influence and who ultimately made the disciplinary decisions.
– Any additional documents related to Viber communications, search warrants, and appointment records that may illuminate the chain of command.
– Further examination of informant materials and the safeguards around confidentiality and safety in handling such information.
Added value and analysis
– The case sits at the intersection of political oversight and police independence, raising important questions about how executive guidance interacts with internal disciplinary processes and due process for officers.
– If prosecutors prove unwarranted political influence, it could prompt reforms in disciplinary procedures and oversight within Fiji’s public service.
– If the defense demonstrates actions were within lawful bounds and properly executed, it would reinforce limits on executive involvement in internal police matters while underscoring the importance of procedural safeguards.
– The proceedings also highlight challenges around digital evidence, including the accessibility of messages from phones that have been reset, and how such data is treated in high-profile governance cases.
Hopeful perspective
A transparent, evidence-based resolution that adheres to due process can strengthen public trust in Fiji’s governance and policing institutions. Clear findings would contribute to accountability and the integrity of public service, regardless of the outcome.
Short summary
– Bainimarama denies pressuring Tudravu to dismiss or resign; he says he did not know the officers involved.
– The case centers on May–August 2021 actions and the involvement of Ratei and Naulu, with Qiliho accused of abusing his office by overruling disciplinary decisions.
– Tudravu’s testimony and related documents are central to determining whether political influence occurred and how the disciplinary process was conducted.
– The trial continues with a focus on Viber communications, informant handling, and documentary evidence.
Editorial note
This ongoing case tests governance ethics, police independence, and civil-servant protections in Fiji. Readers should follow forthcoming testimonies and rulings for clarity on due process and potential reforms to safeguard public trust in institutions. The proceedings remain a pivotal moment for assessing how leadership interacts with lawful, rights-respecting disciplinary procedures in Fiji’s public service.
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